This recipe is at least 150 years old.

2/3 c. cooking oil
1 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 med. egg well beaten
3 tsp. baking soda dissolved in 1/2 c. boiling water

Sift together:

5 1/2 c. flour
3 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

Beat together the oil and sugar. Add molasses and mix well. Add egg and mix. Add boiling water and soda. Add dry ingredients mix well. Chill overnight if convenient. Roll out 1/4 inch thick on floured surface cut cookies and bake on a greased cookie sheet about 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees.